conflict theory structural functionalism and symbolic interactionism

In the late nineteenth century, the rising power of black Americans after the Civil War resulted in draconian Jim Crow laws that severely limited black political and social power. history would examine the numerous past and current struggles between the white ruling class and racial and ethnic minorities, noting specific conflicts that have arisen when the dominant group perceived a threat from the minority group. Consider how much money, time, and effort went toward maintaining separate and unequal educational systems prior to the civil rights movement.Ĭonflict theories are often applied to inequalities of gender, social class, education, race, and ethnicity. On the other hand, Rose (1951) suggested that dysfunctions associated with racism include the failure to take advantage of talent in the subjugated group, and that society must divert from other purposes the time and effort needed to maintain artificially constructed racial boundaries. Consider how a community might increase solidarity by refusing to allow outsiders access. Consider the way slave owners justified slavery in the antebellum South, by suggesting black people were fundamentally inferior to white and preferred slavery to freedom.Īnother way to apply the functionalist perspective to racism is to discuss the way racism can contribute positively to the functioning of society by strengthening bonds between in-group members through the ostracism of out-group members. Nash (1964) focused his argument on the way racism is functional for the dominant group, for example, suggesting that racism morally justifies a racially unequal society. How can racism and discrimination contribute positively to society? A functionalist might look at “functions” and “dysfunctions” caused by racial inequality. In the view of functionalism, racial and ethnic inequalities must have served an important function in order to exist as long as they have.

Conflict theory structural functionalism and symbolic interactionism